The annual Crestline Christmas bonfire for this year has been canceled by the San Bernardino County Fire Department due to restrictions on community gatherings. But the Christmas celebration will go on with two different events occurring this Saturday, Dec. 12. All participants must wear masks to be COVID-compliant.

Some community members have arranged a drive-through Christmas meal food box pick-up, so those who need food to enjoy a holiday meal have that opportunity. The 200 Christmas meal food boxes are available for those who wish them from 2-3:30 p.m., or while the supplies last, by driving through The Savior’s Realm parking lot.

The boxes will be only be distributed to those who drive up from the corner of Springwater and Lake Drives, turn at Higher Grounds Coffee House onto Manzanita and drive through the church’s parking lot to pick up the food and exit onto Lake Drive, turning right (west) toward Knapp’s Cutoff or Top Town for safety purposes. Advance RSVPs are not being accepted, so it is first-come, first-served.

A COVID-appropriate Santa photo op experience for the children will be available in the later afternoon from 4 to 7 p.m. at 23621 Manzanita Drive in Crestline. Park at The Savior’s Realm church parking lot next door. Live music will be performed from the patio area for the winter wonderland, lighted seasonal experience garden walk.

Family groups will walk socially distanced from each other through the winter wonderland of lights on the hillside next to The Treasure Box & Company. Wearing masks, after going through the lighted hillside, they can talk to Santa in his office as they drop off their Christmas list. Each child 12 years of age and under will receive a small gift as they leave. These gifts are the result of generous community donations.

Designed with COVID principles in mind, in a non-contact manner, as children pass by Santa’s office, if their parents desire, they may take a photo with Santa. Afterwards, each family will be given a door prize ticket for a drawing the next morning for a large present of either a Grocery Store playhouse or a motorized Power Wheel from the Treasure Box Jr. Toy Store. Winners will be notified by phone.

There will be hot cocoa available while waiting to walk the garden but, because of limited parking in the Savior’s Realm parking lot for this event, lingering is not encouraged. Come enjoy the live music, special cocoa, lighted winter wonderland, Santa in his office and then go home for COVID safety.

This event is made possible by the collaboration of The Treasure Box, Treasure Box Jr. Toys, Woodlands Church and Crestline Jerky Co, with major support from the Lioness Club, Savior’s Realm Church and New Life Christian Fellowship. This event will be COVID-compliant, so please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Beginning Sunday Dec. 13, these walks though the lighted winter wonderland with Santa in his office for photos will be $1 per person at The Treasure Box and Co. on Saturday and Sunday nights only from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and always following COVID distancing requirements.

Because of the changing COVID situation, alternative activities may occur instead, as they are following all state and county requirements and restrictions for safety purposes.